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Pack for a Purpose: Small Space. Little Effort. Big Impact.
Home • Destinations • South Asia • Nepal
    Tour Company

    Mountain Madness

    Pack for a Purpose does not condone visiting orphanages, as this can often lead to negative impacts on children. The accommodation or tour company working with the orphanage will deliver the supplies in a coordinated and respectful way so that the children can benefit from them. Your generosity is not diminished because you do not interact with the children.

    Project

    In 2009, local philanthropist Neel Thakuri had the idea of starting an orphanage. Mountain Madness encouraged him and helped him renovate a traditional farmhouse in his childhood village, 3 hours outside of Kathmandu. Neel has proven its success, both to the local community and to donors. The children attend a nearby school Neel helped to build. With 2 house mothers and a tutor, the children have made dramatic changes, both academically and socially.

    The orphanage has given 13 children (and 2 women) from ages 6 through 18 years old a new start. Children who had insufficient food, no parents or abusive family situations, and little education now form a family, have regular meals, learn responsibility, have good health care, and have regular school attendance and achievement.

    Needs

    General School Supplies:
    Crayons, Erasers, Handheld Pencil Sharpeners, Pencils, Pens, and Solar Calculators

    Reference Materials:
    (English) Dictionaries and Age Appropriate Encyclopedias on CD

    Flash Cards:
    (English) Alphabet, Math, and Word

    Wall Charts:
    (English) Human Body, Science, and World Maps

    Text/Reading Books:
    (English) Biology, General Science, Health, Language/Grammar, and Math

    Educational Games/Toys:
    Puzzles and Stuffed Animals/Soft Toys

    Art Supplies:
    Beads for Bead Work, Buttons, Craft Glue, Craft Scissors, and Magazines

    Sports/Outdoor Activity:
    Badminton Rackets and Shuttlecocks, Frisbees, Jump Ropes, Soccer Balls and Volleyballs

    Initiatives Supported

    Child Welfare
    All the needs are current as of April 16, 2024
    Note: Location is approximated. If you see a lodging that is misplaced or missing, please contact us .
    Mountain Madness

    Listed on this page are the specific needs requested by the community project(s) so you can choose exactly what to pack for a purpose and express your gratitude to the local community with the supplies you take them. If you prefer, you may reach out directly to them to inquire about items which may be available for purchase locally. Arranging visits to community projects is beyond the scope of our mission. If you wish to visit a project, contact the participant and they can let you know what is possible.

    Candy and balloons are not on the needs list as they are harmful for the children and the environment for the following reasons:
    • Few of the children benefiting from these projects have access to toothpaste, toothbrushes, or a dentist. The candy promotes cavities.
    • The balloons once they become deflated are a choking hazard for local wildlife.

    Instead of taking candy or balloons, use that space for additional requested supplies, as they are priceless.